After nearly two days the silver alert for 14-year-old Shawna Way has been lifted. Family member claimed Shawna was mentally handicapped, and there was speculation she was communicating with someone over Facebook from out of state. But Tuesday afternoon she turned herself into police.

Just after 5 Tuesday evening law enforcement officials announced that 14-year-old Shawna Way had turned herself in to police.

“This is an on going investigation, and you have several different facets of this investigation. You have a federal investigation, and you have a state investigation, along with a county investigation.” Said Captain James Merrill, with the Taylor County State Police Detachment.

Officials say that technology played a vital role in bringing Shawna home.

“Social media, it actually brought a lot of agencies together. Those agencies being the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, the FBI in a joint effort to try and figure out how this victim disappeared.” Said Captain Merrill.

Earlier in the day as officials searched in the woods behind the Briar-View apartments where Shawna was last seen, her family begged for her safe return.

“I just want her to know we love and miss her so much. We just want her back safe.” Said Shawna’s Aunt Christina Grinier.

Shawna, were all looking for you, were all scared to death.” Said neighbor, Rachel Messinger

However, officials say they were thrilled when the family got word that their daughter and niece had been found safe and sound.

“They were ecstatic. They wanted me to express to the other agencies that were involved their deep and sincere appreciation for our efforts.” Said Sheriff Terring Skinner, with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department.

According to county, state, and FBI officials, we can expect to hear more details concerning Shawna’s disappearance over the next few days.

5 NEWS UPDATE:

South Charleston, West Virginia –The Silver Alert has been canceled for Shawna Ann Way. She turned herself into law enforcement earlier Tuesday afternoon. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations, the West Virginia State Police Crimes Against Children Unit, the Taylor County Sheriff's Department , the Harrison County Sheriff's Department, the Grafton City Police Department, and numerous other surrounding state, county, and local law enforcement agencies actively worked together in the effort to locate her. More details concerning her disappearance will follow as they become available. However, this case should serve as a reminder that the internet poses certain dangers for our children, as it is believed that social media played a role in her disappearance.

ORIGINAL STORY:

On Monday night, State Police issued a silver alert for a missing teenage girl from Taylor County. It's believed she may have walked away from her home on Sunday but now they need your help.

Family members of Shawna Way contacted 5 News Sunday and said she was last seen outside of the Briarview Apartments around 2 p.m. They said she may have been in contact with someone in Georgia on Facebook but they think she may be in the area.

Shawna's grandfather said she's on the borderline of mental retardation and he also said a few people told him they saw her in Clarksburg at the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival with three men and a woman. Law enforcement officials couldn't confirm that. Nothing has been ruled out yet and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Shawna Ann Way is 14-years-old. She's about 5'2", 120 pounds with blonde hair and brown eyes. Way was last seen wearing a yellow tye dyed shirt and pinkish white shorts with sandals with pink straps.

Local police, state police and the FBI are helping the sheriff's department with the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

People can also call State Police at 304-624-7573 or the Taylor County Sheriff's Department at 304-265-2524.

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